Monday, June 28, 2010

This weeks Locally Featured brings us a bit outside of Massachusetts, into the lovely state of New Hampshire, finding a product that is both unusual, and delicious.

It really is amazing how things happen. I found my Locally Featured Spotlight company for this week on a whim at the Dewey Square Farmers Market, and his product was found almost by accident. Now, I'm sure we are all aware of the lovely idea of hummus- ever healthy ground chickpeas blended with other ingredients to form a nutritious dip or spread for sandwiches etc. Hummus, itself, isn't a new creation, however Crazy Camel Dessert Hummus is reinventing it. With Crazy Camel, gone are those typical savory creations like Jalapeno, or roasted red pepper, those are a thing of the past. Crazy Camel is bringing on the sweets- in a fun natural way.

Crazy Camel, began making dessert hummus quite by accident, as Chuck the owner tried to convince his daughter to give hummus a shot and added a peanut butter to the mix. What he thought would be a terrible combination won great accolades from all who tasted it, including his former hummus hating daughter. As of today, Chuck has expanded the line to include 5 other flavors. Customer's have the tough choice between Toasted Almond, Chocolate Mousse, Caramel Apple, Pumpkin Pie, Maple Walnut, and of course, Peanut Butter.The road to Crazy Caramel was not an easy one as is often the case for start up businesses, especially in a terrible economy, however Chuck, and his followers had faith in the product, and have persevered. Today Crazy Camel hummus can be found to be purchased either on their website, in select Whole Foods Markets and other area markets, as well as at the Dewey Square Farmers Market.

I can personally attest that this stuff is amazing. I had a slight obsession with the Caramel Apple a few weeks ago and was flying through it. A delicate real apple flavor, enhanced with caramel, and grounded with the nuttiness of the chickpea it is a perfect dessert treat without being overpoweringly sweet.

I have to apologize for the lack of photos for this spotlight- I am in the process of changing camera's and I need to take some with the new camera :-) I will update soon.

That said- this is a product you have to try whether you enjoy hummus or not. It will satisfy any sweet tooth, but do so while supplying some great nutrients as well- that's a combination you just can't beat!

There was an NY Times article a couple weeks ago about all the crazy hummus flavors out there now. I remember reading chocolate mousse and thinking there's just no way. But if you're saying they're good... maybe I'll take a chance and try some!